perennial

Little Rev Flax Lily

Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella revoluta, commonly known as the blueberry lily, is a tough, rhizomatous evergreen perennial native to southern and eastern Australia. It forms dense, upright clumps of narrow, strap-like leaves and produces airy panicles of small, star-shaped blue-violet flowers followed by glossy purple berries.

'DR5000', marketed as Little Rev, is distinguished by its exceptionally compact, highly architectural fan-like growth habit and stiff, upright foliage. The narrow leaves are distinctly in-rolled, exposing striking blue-grey undersides that contrast with the yellow-green upper surfaces.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides strong architectural structure with its upright, blue-grey foliage and delicate violet-blue flowers.
Practical UsesExcellent for erosion control on slopes and highly tolerant of salty coastal winds.
Ecological BenefitsProvides pollen and nectar for beneficial insects and native bees.
SpeciesDianella revolutaBlue Flax-Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
O
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D

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent soil drainage.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth to keep the crown level with the soil surface.
  3. Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the base without burying the crown.
  4. Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a thin layer of mulch, keeping it clear of the plant's base.

Pro Tip

Plant on a slight mound or in raised beds to ensure rapid drainage, as sitting in depressed, waterlogged soil quickly triggers fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water moderately during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
  • Apply a low-phosphorus or balanced slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring if growth seems sluggish.
  • Cut the entire clump back hard to about five inches above the ground every three to five years to rejuvenate the foliage.

Don't

  • Do not plant in low-lying areas or depressions where water pools after rain.
  • Avoid annual or severe hedging, which depletes the plant's energy reserves.
  • Do not bury the crown below the soil or mulch line during installation.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersMass plantingCoastal gardensRock gardensArchitectural accents

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Rev Flax Lily questions

What zones can Little Rev Flax Lily grow in?

Little Rev Flax Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Little Rev Flax Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Little Rev Flax Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Little Rev Flax Lily bloom?

Little Rev Flax Lily typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Little Rev Flax Lily need full sun?

Little Rev Flax Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Little Rev Flax Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Little Rev Flax Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Little Rev Flax Lily with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.